Never let me go - Kazuo Ishiguro.

From the start, the novel deliberately confounds. What's all this reference to donations? Bit by bit, things become clearer and not so clear, just like how the students in the book are, I eventually realise. I don't want to spoil this for you, so I won't give it away as well, like what I feel the author intended.

So in short, this is about a reflection, a flashback, on Kathy's (the narrator) life as a student back at the Hailsham boarding school, and thereafter. The technique is reminiscent of 'The remains of the day', Ishiguro's more 'famous' book, where the butler is the narrator. I enjoyed this book more than 'Remains' though.

The book does force you to take a look at certain hard issues, one of which is (argh trying not to be a spoiler) - exactly how important art is, or why we choose to be cultured, civilised. Why should we? There are other things to think about, of course. But they are too central to the plot to bring up now. This question of culture is a tough one. It...completes us? Nourishes our soul? Challenges us intellectually? But, so what? What is all this for?

Garhh. Oh well. Just read it la. Someone read it so I can discuss it properly. heh. Oh I caught Pirates 3. Johnny Depp! That guy totally rules.